COLUMBIA, S.C. — During a Democratic state convention in South Carolina, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz aimed to invigorate party activists, leveraging his heightened national prominence gained as the 2024 vice presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris.
As a keynote speaker in Columbia, Walz—a former educator who transitioned from teaching to serving in Congress and eventually, as Governor—addressed Democrats from across the nation, delivering a candid speech peppered with vivid language. In his remarks, which spanned over half an hour, Walz criticized former President Donald Trump and urged Democrats to muster the resolve to confront what he branded as bullying from the White House.
Addressing the crowd with fervor, Walz remarked, “Maybe it’s time for us to be a little meaner,” drawing applause. “When it’s a bully like Donald Trump, you bully right back… This is a painfully cruel man.”
In the span of less than 24 hours, Walz had delivered three major speeches, including appearances at a Democratic fundraising dinner and a subsequent fish fry event hosted by Rep. Jim Clyburn. These appearances allowed Walz and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to connect with a crucial audience in a state known for its early influence in the Democratic nominating process, with South Carolina leading the national agenda in recent cycles. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2028 Democratic calendar, South Carolina’s Democratic Chair, Christale Spain, emphasized the importance of maintaining the state’s early voting status.
Walz characterized Trump as a pressing threat during his Saturday morning speech, cautioning that Democrats face challenging times ahead. “Donald Trump is the existential threat that we anticipated,” Walz urged, acknowledging the landscape that lies ahead for the party.
Despite the challenges, Walz commended the resilience of his fellow Democrats in a predominantly Republican-dominated state where victory has eluded them statewide for decades. “Damnit, we should be able to have some fun and be joyful,” he declared, encouraging engagement against political adversaries.
Among potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election, Walz is expected to carry forward similar themes at an upcoming event with California Democrats in Anaheim. “We’re excited to welcome Minnesota Governor Tim Walz,” noted Rusty Hicks, the state chair, praising Walz’s track record as a teacher, veteran, and advocate for equal opportunities.
The Democratic Party has grappled with internal direction since the loss to Trump in November, as frustrations simmer over leadership perceived as ineffective against Trump’s fortified second-term ambitions. While Walz has not definitively expressed intentions for a third gubernatorial term in 2026, he is contemplating the possibility. He mentioned in a recent interview that he would deliberate until after a special session with Minnesota’s legislature concludes in July.
Although Walz has given mixed indications on a 2028 presidential run, he keeps options open while sharpening his criticisms against Trump. In a March interview, he admitted to contemplating a potential run if circumstances proved favorable. Still, in subsequent interviews, he appeared noncommittal but acknowledging his interest in staying engaged.
Following the Democratic ticket’s November defeat, Walz resumed public engagements, conducting town halls in Republican-held districts with the intent to connect with underrepresented voices—a move encouraged by his campaign’s fundraising efforts.
Through recent messages, Walz conveyed, “For the past few weeks, I’ve been showing up where Republicans won’t,” reflecting his commitment to outreach, as seen in his recent South Carolina address. His travels underscore a mission to engage disenchanted voters in GOP territories across the country.